CA2293907A1 - Trailer with improved double skin slat construction - Google Patents
Trailer with improved double skin slat construction Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2293907A1 CA2293907A1 CA002293907A CA2293907A CA2293907A1 CA 2293907 A1 CA2293907 A1 CA 2293907A1 CA 002293907 A CA002293907 A CA 002293907A CA 2293907 A CA2293907 A CA 2293907A CA 2293907 A1 CA2293907 A1 CA 2293907A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slat
- outer skin
- skin
- bulkhead
- trailer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title abstract description 14
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000283086 Equidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000261422 Lysimachia clethroides Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000237503 Pectinidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020637 scallop Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
- B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
- B60P3/04—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for transporting animals
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D33/00—Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles
- B62D33/04—Enclosed load compartments ; Frameworks for movable panels, tarpaulins or side curtains
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
- Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
Abstract
An improved slat construction (20) for use in a livestock trailer (22) includes a double skin slat (24) connected to upright posts (38) of the trailer (22) with weld connections (68). The slat (24) includes an inner skin (26), an outer skin (28), a plurality of bulkheads (30), and female and male edge connections (32, 34). The inner and outer skins (26, 28) are spaced apart to define a gap (62) therebetween, and the bulkheads (30) are positioned in the gap (62) and connect to the inner and outer skins (26, 28) to divide the gap (62) into internal chambers which inhibit heat transfer by convection.
The female connection (32) includes opposed legs (78) defining a groove (80) therebetween, and the male connection (34) includes a tongue (74) inserted into the groove (80) to connect adjacent slats (24).
The female connection (32) includes opposed legs (78) defining a groove (80) therebetween, and the male connection (34) includes a tongue (74) inserted into the groove (80) to connect adjacent slats (24).
Description
TRAILER WITH IMPROVED
DOUBLE SKIN SLAT CONSTRUCTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to trailer structures and, more particularly, to livestock trailer sidewall slat constructions.
BACKGROUND
Horses, cattle, and other livestock are commonly transported from one location to another in specially constructed trailers which include sidewalls, roofs, floor decking structures, and loading gates or doors. The dimensions and features of these trailers vary widely depending on the type of livestock to be transported and the specific end uses for which the trailers are designed. For example, horse trailers range from single horse, standard hitch trailers, to mufti-horse, goose-neck trailers that include living quarters for equestrians.
The sidewall structures of many livestock trailers are formed with panels supported by and welded to posts extending upwardly from the floor decking structures.
However, difficulties have been encountered with even the most advanced sidewall panel constructions. The sidewalls are commonly assembled by welding a plurality of panels to upright posts. Frequently, water seeps into the trailer at the connections between adjacent panels, and heat generated while welding heats the panels to the extent that their exterior surfaces are discolored by oxidation. Additionally, the panels are preferably made from aluminum making it difficult to insulate the trailers.
Another problem is encountered with reliability of the welds between the panels and the upright posts. If an insufficient amount of material is provided by the panels for the weld connection, the attachment material can melt away or insufficient penetration is made into the attachment material while trying to keep from melting the attachment material away. Further, the livestock being transported in the trailers will kick the sidewalls. Unfortunately, the animals are strong enough to dent the panels and occasionally break the weld connections between the panels and the upright posts. To inhibit damage from kicking, kick plates are sometimes attached to the inner side of the sidewalls. However, their attachment is undesirably difficult because of the preferred non-planar configuration of the panel walls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one important obj ect of the present invention is to provide an improved sidewall construction which inhibits discoloration, has more reliable welds, is better insulated, and to which kicking plates and other such devices are more easily attached.
In carrying out the foregoing and other objects, the present invention contemplates an improved sidewall slat for use in a trailer. The slat includes an outer skin and an inner skin which is spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal gap therebetween. A reinforcing bulkhead is positioned in the gap and connects the inner skin and the outer skin.
In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of bulkheads divide the gap into a plurality of internal chambers which are operative to inhibit convection between the inner and outer skins, and the gap is filled with an insulating material. A
weld location line is formed in an exposed surface of the inner skin, and the inner skin is substantially flat having substantially planar surfaces. The outer skin is preferably scalloped having alternating peaks and valleys on both its exterior and interior surfaces.
Alternatively, the interior surface of the outer skin is substantially planar. The inner and outer skins and the bulkhead are preferably integrally formed, but in an alternate embodiment, the inner and outer skins are formed by separate components which are adhered together.
In this alternate embodiment, the bulkheads comprise generally V-shaped bulkheads which receive the peaks of the interior surface of the outer skin.
The present invention further contemplates incorporating the foregoing slat construction into a trailer for transporting livestock. The trailer includes a trailer frame with a plurality of upright posts extending upwardly from a floor of the trailer.
A plurality of sidewall slats as described above are attached to the upright posts by weld connections. Preferably, the weld connections are centrally positioned between the bulkheads at the weld location lines.
In a preferred embodiment of the trailer, at least one of the sidewall slats includes an edge having an elongated tongue, and an adjacent sidewall slat includes an edge having opposed legs defining a groove which receives the tongue therein.
The height of the tongue and the height of the legs are preferably greater than the width of the groove between the legs to inhibit the penetration of water through the sidewall of the trailer.
DOUBLE SKIN SLAT CONSTRUCTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to trailer structures and, more particularly, to livestock trailer sidewall slat constructions.
BACKGROUND
Horses, cattle, and other livestock are commonly transported from one location to another in specially constructed trailers which include sidewalls, roofs, floor decking structures, and loading gates or doors. The dimensions and features of these trailers vary widely depending on the type of livestock to be transported and the specific end uses for which the trailers are designed. For example, horse trailers range from single horse, standard hitch trailers, to mufti-horse, goose-neck trailers that include living quarters for equestrians.
The sidewall structures of many livestock trailers are formed with panels supported by and welded to posts extending upwardly from the floor decking structures.
However, difficulties have been encountered with even the most advanced sidewall panel constructions. The sidewalls are commonly assembled by welding a plurality of panels to upright posts. Frequently, water seeps into the trailer at the connections between adjacent panels, and heat generated while welding heats the panels to the extent that their exterior surfaces are discolored by oxidation. Additionally, the panels are preferably made from aluminum making it difficult to insulate the trailers.
Another problem is encountered with reliability of the welds between the panels and the upright posts. If an insufficient amount of material is provided by the panels for the weld connection, the attachment material can melt away or insufficient penetration is made into the attachment material while trying to keep from melting the attachment material away. Further, the livestock being transported in the trailers will kick the sidewalls. Unfortunately, the animals are strong enough to dent the panels and occasionally break the weld connections between the panels and the upright posts. To inhibit damage from kicking, kick plates are sometimes attached to the inner side of the sidewalls. However, their attachment is undesirably difficult because of the preferred non-planar configuration of the panel walls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one important obj ect of the present invention is to provide an improved sidewall construction which inhibits discoloration, has more reliable welds, is better insulated, and to which kicking plates and other such devices are more easily attached.
In carrying out the foregoing and other objects, the present invention contemplates an improved sidewall slat for use in a trailer. The slat includes an outer skin and an inner skin which is spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal gap therebetween. A reinforcing bulkhead is positioned in the gap and connects the inner skin and the outer skin.
In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of bulkheads divide the gap into a plurality of internal chambers which are operative to inhibit convection between the inner and outer skins, and the gap is filled with an insulating material. A
weld location line is formed in an exposed surface of the inner skin, and the inner skin is substantially flat having substantially planar surfaces. The outer skin is preferably scalloped having alternating peaks and valleys on both its exterior and interior surfaces.
Alternatively, the interior surface of the outer skin is substantially planar. The inner and outer skins and the bulkhead are preferably integrally formed, but in an alternate embodiment, the inner and outer skins are formed by separate components which are adhered together.
In this alternate embodiment, the bulkheads comprise generally V-shaped bulkheads which receive the peaks of the interior surface of the outer skin.
The present invention further contemplates incorporating the foregoing slat construction into a trailer for transporting livestock. The trailer includes a trailer frame with a plurality of upright posts extending upwardly from a floor of the trailer.
A plurality of sidewall slats as described above are attached to the upright posts by weld connections. Preferably, the weld connections are centrally positioned between the bulkheads at the weld location lines.
In a preferred embodiment of the trailer, at least one of the sidewall slats includes an edge having an elongated tongue, and an adjacent sidewall slat includes an edge having opposed legs defining a groove which receives the tongue therein.
The height of the tongue and the height of the legs are preferably greater than the width of the groove between the legs to inhibit the penetration of water through the sidewall of the trailer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a trailer incorporating an improved slat construction according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of the slat construction of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective, partially exploded, vertical sectional view of the slat construction of Fig. 1 from inside the trailer;
Fig. 4 is an end view of a wall slat used in the slat construction of Fig.
1;
Fig. 5 is an end view of an alternate wall slat; and Fig. 6 is a partially exploded end view of another alternate wall slat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Refernng to the drawings in greater detail, the improved slat construction 20 shown in Figs. 1-3 is utilized in a livestock or horse trailer 22. The improved slat construction 20 includes a plurality of extruded aluminum slats 24 each having an inner skin 26, an outer skin 28, a plurality of bulkheads 30, a normally upper longitudinal edge 34, and a normally lower longitudinal edge 32. The trailer includes a roof 36 and a trailer frame which includes a plurality of upright posts 38 extending upwardly from a floor structure 40 toward the roof 36. The trailer 22 also includes many conventional features such as a hitching mechanism 42 and a plurality of ground-engaging wheels 44. The wheels 44 are rotatably mounted on and support the trailer frame, and the hitching mechanism 42 is connected to the front of the trailer frame for coupling the trailer 22 with a towing vehicle (not shown). These conventional features and others of the trailer 22 are described to the extent necessary for an understanding of the invention.
Referring to Figs. 2-4, the inner skin 26 is substantially flat and includes a substantially planar enclosed surface 46 which faces the outer skin 28 and an exposed surface 48 which faces away from the outer skin 28. The outer skin 28 is preferably scalloped and includes an exterior surface 50 having alternating peaks 52 and valleys 54. The outer skin 28 also includes an interior surface 56 facing toward the inner skin 26. The interior surface 56 is also preferably scalloped having alternating peaks 58 and valleys 60. The peaks 50 of the exterior surface coincide with the valleys 60 of the interior surface 56, and the valleys 54 of the exterior surface 50 coincide with the peaks 58 of the interior surface 56. The inner skin 26 is spaced apart from the outer skin 28 to define an insulating gap 62 between the inner and outer skins.
The horizontal bulkheads 30 of each slat 24 are positioned in the gap 62 at vertically spaced uniform intervals. Each bulkhead 30 preferably extends the full length of the slat and is of such a width that it spans the distance between the inner and outer skins to divide the gap into a plurality of elongated internal chambers, thereby interrupting the otherwise open expanse of the gap 62 from one edge 32 to the other edge 34 and thereby impeding airflow between the edges. This inhibits heat transfer by convection between the inner and outer skins. The bulkheads, which are connected to the inner and outer skins, are preferably positioned at the valleys 54 of the exterior surface 50 of the outer skin 28 to reinforce the outer wall. Thus, a structurally sound arch is formed between the bulkheads 30 thereby inhibiting the formation of dents in the exterior surface 50 of the outer skin 28.
As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the inner and outer skins and bulkheads are preferably integrally formed. Further, each slat preferably includes two bulkheads bifurcating the gap into three internal cavities. The outer skin 28 preferably includes three scallops, so that there are three peaks 52 on the exterior surface SO of the outer skin 28 and two valleys 54 separating the peaks 52. The slat is elongated having a forward end 53 (Fig. 1) and a rearward end 55 (Fig. 1), and the skins and bulkheads are also elongated preferably extending over the entire length of the slat.
To further insulate the slat, the gap 62 is alternatively filled with an insulating material 64. The insulating material is introduced into the internal air chambers of the gap 62 through insulation fill holes 66 (Fig. 3) formed through the inner skin 26. With the exception of the alternate insulation fill holes 66, the inner skin is substantially continuous.
Because the inner skin is substantially continuous, weld connections 68, which connect the slat 24 to the upright posts 38, can be used anywhere along the length of the upright posts. Alternatively, the slats can be attached to the posts with an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Further, the substantially continuous inner skin 26 also provides sufficient attachment material, so that the weld connections 68 are consistently formed with adequate weld penetration into the inner skin and without structural damage to the slat 24. The substantially continuous inner skin also allows for the simple attachment of devices such as kick plates (not shown) which inhibit livestock from denting the slats.
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a trailer incorporating an improved slat construction according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view of the slat construction of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective, partially exploded, vertical sectional view of the slat construction of Fig. 1 from inside the trailer;
Fig. 4 is an end view of a wall slat used in the slat construction of Fig.
1;
Fig. 5 is an end view of an alternate wall slat; and Fig. 6 is a partially exploded end view of another alternate wall slat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Refernng to the drawings in greater detail, the improved slat construction 20 shown in Figs. 1-3 is utilized in a livestock or horse trailer 22. The improved slat construction 20 includes a plurality of extruded aluminum slats 24 each having an inner skin 26, an outer skin 28, a plurality of bulkheads 30, a normally upper longitudinal edge 34, and a normally lower longitudinal edge 32. The trailer includes a roof 36 and a trailer frame which includes a plurality of upright posts 38 extending upwardly from a floor structure 40 toward the roof 36. The trailer 22 also includes many conventional features such as a hitching mechanism 42 and a plurality of ground-engaging wheels 44. The wheels 44 are rotatably mounted on and support the trailer frame, and the hitching mechanism 42 is connected to the front of the trailer frame for coupling the trailer 22 with a towing vehicle (not shown). These conventional features and others of the trailer 22 are described to the extent necessary for an understanding of the invention.
Referring to Figs. 2-4, the inner skin 26 is substantially flat and includes a substantially planar enclosed surface 46 which faces the outer skin 28 and an exposed surface 48 which faces away from the outer skin 28. The outer skin 28 is preferably scalloped and includes an exterior surface 50 having alternating peaks 52 and valleys 54. The outer skin 28 also includes an interior surface 56 facing toward the inner skin 26. The interior surface 56 is also preferably scalloped having alternating peaks 58 and valleys 60. The peaks 50 of the exterior surface coincide with the valleys 60 of the interior surface 56, and the valleys 54 of the exterior surface 50 coincide with the peaks 58 of the interior surface 56. The inner skin 26 is spaced apart from the outer skin 28 to define an insulating gap 62 between the inner and outer skins.
The horizontal bulkheads 30 of each slat 24 are positioned in the gap 62 at vertically spaced uniform intervals. Each bulkhead 30 preferably extends the full length of the slat and is of such a width that it spans the distance between the inner and outer skins to divide the gap into a plurality of elongated internal chambers, thereby interrupting the otherwise open expanse of the gap 62 from one edge 32 to the other edge 34 and thereby impeding airflow between the edges. This inhibits heat transfer by convection between the inner and outer skins. The bulkheads, which are connected to the inner and outer skins, are preferably positioned at the valleys 54 of the exterior surface 50 of the outer skin 28 to reinforce the outer wall. Thus, a structurally sound arch is formed between the bulkheads 30 thereby inhibiting the formation of dents in the exterior surface 50 of the outer skin 28.
As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the inner and outer skins and bulkheads are preferably integrally formed. Further, each slat preferably includes two bulkheads bifurcating the gap into three internal cavities. The outer skin 28 preferably includes three scallops, so that there are three peaks 52 on the exterior surface SO of the outer skin 28 and two valleys 54 separating the peaks 52. The slat is elongated having a forward end 53 (Fig. 1) and a rearward end 55 (Fig. 1), and the skins and bulkheads are also elongated preferably extending over the entire length of the slat.
To further insulate the slat, the gap 62 is alternatively filled with an insulating material 64. The insulating material is introduced into the internal air chambers of the gap 62 through insulation fill holes 66 (Fig. 3) formed through the inner skin 26. With the exception of the alternate insulation fill holes 66, the inner skin is substantially continuous.
Because the inner skin is substantially continuous, weld connections 68, which connect the slat 24 to the upright posts 38, can be used anywhere along the length of the upright posts. Alternatively, the slats can be attached to the posts with an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Further, the substantially continuous inner skin 26 also provides sufficient attachment material, so that the weld connections 68 are consistently formed with adequate weld penetration into the inner skin and without structural damage to the slat 24. The substantially continuous inner skin also allows for the simple attachment of devices such as kick plates (not shown) which inhibit livestock from denting the slats.
Though the weld connection 68 can be made at any point along the lengths of the upright posts, the weld connections 68 are preferably formed at locations away from the bulkheads 30. As shown in the preferred embodiment, the weld connections 68 are centrally positioned between the bulkheads 30. To substantially guarantee the location of the weld connections 68 between the bulkheads 30, the slat 24 is formed with a weld location line 70 positioned centrally between the bulkheads 30. The weld locations line 70 is formed by a narrow and shallow groove extruded in the slat and preferably extends over the entire length of the slat 24 parallel to the bulkheads. With the weld connections 68 located between the bulkheads 30, there is little, if any, discoloration on the exterior surface 50 of the outer skin 28.
The heat generated by welding is spread throughout the inner skin which acts as a heat sink.
Further, there is a large surface area from which heat is discharged. Further, because the welds are spaced apart from the bulkheads, the heat must travel through both the inner skin and bulkhead before it reaches the exterior surface of the outer skin thereby inhibiting the conduction of heat to the outer skin. Thus, insufficient heat is transferred to the outer skin to cause discoloration even though the gap is substantially closed and air cannot escape from between the inner and outer skins.
The opposed first and second edges 32, 34 preferably comprise a female edge connection and a male edge connection, respectively, to connect adjacent slats.
The male edge connection 34 comprises a first end wall 72 and an elongated tongue 74.
The female edge connection 32 comprises a second end wall 76 and a pair of elongated opposed legs 78 defining a groove 80 therebetween. The end walls 72, 76 are adjacent to the edges and extend over the length of the slat between and connect to the inner and outer skins 26, 28 to close the internal gap 62 at the edges of the slat. The tongue 74 is matingly inserted into the groove 80 of an adjacent slat. To provide continuity between the surfaces 46, 48, 50, 56 of the slats, the tongue 74 and legs 78 preferably extend over the length of the slat and have approximately the same heights. To inhibit water from seeping into the trailer 22 along the edges of the adjacent slats, the heights of the tongue 74 and legs 78 are preferably greater than the width of groove 80 between the legs 78.
Refernng to the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the alternate embodiment is, in many ways, similar to the previously described embodiment and similar elements will be identified with similar reference numerals distinguished by the suffix A. The alternate slat 24A also includes an inner skin 26A, an outer skin 28A, and a plurality of bulkheads 30A which are preferably integrally formed. In this embodiment the outer skin 28A is further strengthened by adding material to its interior surface 82. Preferably, the interior surface 82 is substantially planar, so that the outer skin has a thickness which gradually increases as the distance from the bulkheads increases. Thus, the embodiment of Fig. 5 provides increased resistance to the formation of dents in the outer skin 28A at the locations between the reinforcing bulkheads 30A.
Refernng to the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the alternate embodiment is, in many ways, similar to the previously described embodiment and similar elements will be identified with similar reference numerals distinguished by the suffix "B". The alternate slat 24B also includes an inner skin 26B, an outer skin 28B, and a plurality of bulkheads 30B. However, the inner skin 26B is separately extruded from the outer skin 28B, and the bulkheads 30B are integrally formed with a selected one of the inner and outer skins. As shown in Fig. 6, it is preferred that the bulkheads are integral with the inner skin.
The outer skin 28B is scalloped and includes an overlapping tab 84 along one edge. The opposite edge 86 from the overlapping tab 84 has a portion thereof removed, so that the removed portion of one slat 24B is configured to mate with an overlapping tab from an outer skin of an adjacent slat. The inner skin includes abutment edges 88 which abut each other when the slats are welded to the upright posts 38. As illustrated, the overlapping tabs 84 overlap the inner skins 26B
adjacent to the abutment edges 88.
The bulkheads 30B are generally V-shaped to present a pair of diverging legs 90, 92. The shallow V-shape of each bulkhead 30B enables it to complementally mate with the peaks 58B of the interior surface 56B of the outer skin 28B. The legs 90, 92 of the bulkheads 30B are spaced away from the inner skin 26B by narrow converging gaps 94. An adhesive 96 is applied between the V-shaped bulkheads and the peaks 58B to bond the inner and outer skins together.
Thus, an improved slat construction is provided which inhibits discoloration during welding, increases the reliability of weld connections, provides additional insulating capacity, inhibits the formation of dents in the slats, and inhibits water from seeping into the trailer between the adjacent slats.
Although preferred forms of the invention have been described above, it is to be recognized that such disclosure is by way of illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention.
Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as herein above set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the appended claims.
S The inventors) hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of their invention as pertains to any apparatus or method not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.
The heat generated by welding is spread throughout the inner skin which acts as a heat sink.
Further, there is a large surface area from which heat is discharged. Further, because the welds are spaced apart from the bulkheads, the heat must travel through both the inner skin and bulkhead before it reaches the exterior surface of the outer skin thereby inhibiting the conduction of heat to the outer skin. Thus, insufficient heat is transferred to the outer skin to cause discoloration even though the gap is substantially closed and air cannot escape from between the inner and outer skins.
The opposed first and second edges 32, 34 preferably comprise a female edge connection and a male edge connection, respectively, to connect adjacent slats.
The male edge connection 34 comprises a first end wall 72 and an elongated tongue 74.
The female edge connection 32 comprises a second end wall 76 and a pair of elongated opposed legs 78 defining a groove 80 therebetween. The end walls 72, 76 are adjacent to the edges and extend over the length of the slat between and connect to the inner and outer skins 26, 28 to close the internal gap 62 at the edges of the slat. The tongue 74 is matingly inserted into the groove 80 of an adjacent slat. To provide continuity between the surfaces 46, 48, 50, 56 of the slats, the tongue 74 and legs 78 preferably extend over the length of the slat and have approximately the same heights. To inhibit water from seeping into the trailer 22 along the edges of the adjacent slats, the heights of the tongue 74 and legs 78 are preferably greater than the width of groove 80 between the legs 78.
Refernng to the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the alternate embodiment is, in many ways, similar to the previously described embodiment and similar elements will be identified with similar reference numerals distinguished by the suffix A. The alternate slat 24A also includes an inner skin 26A, an outer skin 28A, and a plurality of bulkheads 30A which are preferably integrally formed. In this embodiment the outer skin 28A is further strengthened by adding material to its interior surface 82. Preferably, the interior surface 82 is substantially planar, so that the outer skin has a thickness which gradually increases as the distance from the bulkheads increases. Thus, the embodiment of Fig. 5 provides increased resistance to the formation of dents in the outer skin 28A at the locations between the reinforcing bulkheads 30A.
Refernng to the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the alternate embodiment is, in many ways, similar to the previously described embodiment and similar elements will be identified with similar reference numerals distinguished by the suffix "B". The alternate slat 24B also includes an inner skin 26B, an outer skin 28B, and a plurality of bulkheads 30B. However, the inner skin 26B is separately extruded from the outer skin 28B, and the bulkheads 30B are integrally formed with a selected one of the inner and outer skins. As shown in Fig. 6, it is preferred that the bulkheads are integral with the inner skin.
The outer skin 28B is scalloped and includes an overlapping tab 84 along one edge. The opposite edge 86 from the overlapping tab 84 has a portion thereof removed, so that the removed portion of one slat 24B is configured to mate with an overlapping tab from an outer skin of an adjacent slat. The inner skin includes abutment edges 88 which abut each other when the slats are welded to the upright posts 38. As illustrated, the overlapping tabs 84 overlap the inner skins 26B
adjacent to the abutment edges 88.
The bulkheads 30B are generally V-shaped to present a pair of diverging legs 90, 92. The shallow V-shape of each bulkhead 30B enables it to complementally mate with the peaks 58B of the interior surface 56B of the outer skin 28B. The legs 90, 92 of the bulkheads 30B are spaced away from the inner skin 26B by narrow converging gaps 94. An adhesive 96 is applied between the V-shaped bulkheads and the peaks 58B to bond the inner and outer skins together.
Thus, an improved slat construction is provided which inhibits discoloration during welding, increases the reliability of weld connections, provides additional insulating capacity, inhibits the formation of dents in the slats, and inhibits water from seeping into the trailer between the adjacent slats.
Although preferred forms of the invention have been described above, it is to be recognized that such disclosure is by way of illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention.
Modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as herein above set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the appended claims.
S The inventors) hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of their invention as pertains to any apparatus or method not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A sidewall slat for use in a trailer, the slat comprising:
an outer skin having an exterior surface and an interior surface;
a substantially continuous inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap, and the inner skin having an enclosed surface and an exposed surface;
a first edge;
a second edge opposite the first edge; and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap between the first and second edges, and the bulkhead being connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal chamber thereby inhibiting convection between the inner skin and the outer skin.
an outer skin having an exterior surface and an interior surface;
a substantially continuous inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap, and the inner skin having an enclosed surface and an exposed surface;
a first edge;
a second edge opposite the first edge; and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap between the first and second edges, and the bulkhead being connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal chamber thereby inhibiting convection between the inner skin and the outer skin.
2. The slat according to claim 1 further comprising an insulating material substantially filling the gap.
3. The slat according to claim 1 further comprising an adhesive connecting the bulkhead to a selected one of the inner skin and the outer skin.
4. The slat according to claim 1 wherein inner skin, outer skin, and bulkhead are integrally formed.
5. The slat according to claim 1 wherein the interior surface of the outer skin is substantially planar.
6. The slat according to claim 1 wherein the inner skin is substantially flat, the exposed and enclosed surfaces are substantially planar, and the outer skin is scalloped.
7. The slat according to claim 1 further comprising a second bulkhead positioned in the gap between the first and second edges, and the second bulkhead being connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to further divide the gap into a plurality of internal cavities thereby inhibiting convection between the inner skin and the outer skin.
8. The slat according to claim 7 further comprising a first end wall connected to the inner skin and the outer skin adjacent the first edge, and a second end wall connected to the inner skin and the outer skin adjacent the second edge.
9. The slat according to claim 1 further comprising a weld location line formed in the exposed surface of the inner skin.
10. A sidewall slat for use in a trailer, the slat comprising:
an outer skin having an interior surface and a scalloped exterior surface including alternating peaks and valleys;
a substantially continuous inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap, and the inner skin having an enclosed surface and an exposed weld surface;
a first edge;
a second edge opposite the first edge; and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap between the first and second edges, and the bulkhead being connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal cavities thereby inhibiting convection between the inner skin and the outer skin.
an outer skin having an interior surface and a scalloped exterior surface including alternating peaks and valleys;
a substantially continuous inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap, and the inner skin having an enclosed surface and an exposed weld surface;
a first edge;
a second edge opposite the first edge; and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap between the first and second edges, and the bulkhead being connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal cavities thereby inhibiting convection between the inner skin and the outer skin.
11. The slat according to claim 10 wherein the bulkhead comprises a generally V-shaped bulkhead, and the interior surface of the outer skin is scalloped having alternating interior surface peaks and valleys, and the interior surface peaks are configured to mate with the V-shaped bulkhead.
12. The slat according to claim 11 further comprising an adhesive connecting the V-shaped bulkhead to the interior surface peaks of the outer skin.
13. The slat according to claim 10 wherein the bulkhead is aligned with one of the valleys of the exterior surface.
14. The slat according to claim 10 wherein the interior surface of the outer skin is substantially planar, so that the outer skin has a thickness which gradually increases as a distance from the bulkhead increases.
15. A trailer for transporting livestock, the trailer comprising:
a floor;
a trailer frame including a plurality of upright posts extending upwardly from the floor;
a hitching mechanism connected to the trailer frame for coupling the trailer frame with a towing vehicle;
a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the trailer frame;
a plurality of sidewall slats including an outer skin having an exterior surface and an interior surface, an inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap therebetween, and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap and connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal cavities; and a plurality of weld connections between the inner skin of the sidewall slats and the vertical posts.
a floor;
a trailer frame including a plurality of upright posts extending upwardly from the floor;
a hitching mechanism connected to the trailer frame for coupling the trailer frame with a towing vehicle;
a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted on the trailer frame;
a plurality of sidewall slats including an outer skin having an exterior surface and an interior surface, an inner skin spaced apart from the outer skin to define an internal insulating gap therebetween, and at least one reinforcing bulkhead positioned in the gap and connected to the inner skin and the outer skin to divide the gap into a plurality of internal cavities; and a plurality of weld connections between the inner skin of the sidewall slats and the vertical posts.
16. The trailer according to claim 15 wherein the weld connections are positioned away from the bulkhead.
17. The trailer according to claim 15 wherein at least one of the sidewall slats includes a plurality of bulkheads, and the weld connections are centrally positioned between the bulkheads.
18. The trailer according to claim 15 wherein the inner skin, outer skin, and bulkhead of at least one of the sidewall slats are integrally formed.
19. The trailer according to claim 15 wherein at least one of the sidewall slats includes an edge having a tongue, an adjacent sidewall slat includes an edge having opposed legs defining a groove, and the tongue is received in the groove to connect the at least one sidewall slat with the adjacent sidewall slat.
20. The trailer according to claim 19 wherein the tongue is elongated and has a tongue height greater than a width of the groove between the legs, and the legs have leg heights substantially equal to the tongue height and greater than the width of the groove between the legs.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US22475899A | 1999-01-04 | 1999-01-04 | |
| US09/224,758 | 1999-01-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2293907A1 true CA2293907A1 (en) | 2000-07-04 |
Family
ID=22842065
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002293907A Abandoned CA2293907A1 (en) | 1999-01-04 | 2000-01-04 | Trailer with improved double skin slat construction |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6224142B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2293907A1 (en) |
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- 2000-06-01 US US09/586,694 patent/US6224142B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6224142B1 (en) | 2001-05-01 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |